Peregrine Falcons Make Family Home on Ealing Hospital Roof
Patter of tiny talons hoped for this Spring
The course of true love has not run smooth. Picture: David Gordon Davy
Dusty and Freddie, the two peregrine falcons roosting on the roof of Ealing Hospital, may be about to start a family.
Last year, they were spotted by sharp-eyed members of the Ealing Wildlife Group (EWG) and a breeding box was installed to encourage the pair to mate.
EWG now says it is optimistic we can expect the patter of tiny talons later this spring but the course of true love has not run smooth.
The group reports that Dusty has been ousted by a new female and the installation of a second breeding tray on a ledge appears to be paying dividends.
Local veterinary surgeon Sean McCormack, who founded EWG several years ago, said: “The female of the species is larger and more aggressive than the male so it isn’t unusual for this to happen
“Freddie has been displaying courtship behaviour and the female has been seen settling in the tray for long periods of time which is encouraging.
“We should know in the next month and a tell-tale sign will be Freddie bringing food to his mate and the chicks which are called eyasses.”
Peregrines, whose traditional habitat are cliff faces, began migrating to urban areas after facing near extinction from now banned pesticides in the 1950s.
The birds found tall buildings with largely inaccessible roof space an ideal home along with a ready supply of food in the shape of London’s pigeon and parakeet population.
Sean added, “Peregrines are highly territorial and mate for life so it is great they appear to have settled here. Their nearest neighbours are in Southall with a further pair west in Brentford.”
“The hope is that we can soon put in a live feed camera and would love to hear from any local businesses that might be able to help sponsoring the webcam equipment.
“Peregrines usually produce 2-4 chicks a year which are then taught how to hunt after which they are driven out in the autumn to find their own territory. It’s very exciting news as peregrines are still relatively rare.”
EWG is involved in a number of local
Ealing Wildlife Group is involved in a number of conservation projects and is always keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer. Current initiatives include the proposed reintroduction of beavers to the UK with the group applying for a license for a controlled enclosure trail at Paradise Fields in North Greenford.
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April 14, 2022